Nuit Blanche
On a cold, chilly Saturday night this weekend, I decided to check out the immensely popular Scotiabank Nuit Blanche, a contemporary, free all-night art event which takes place annually right in the heart of downtown Toronto. Even for those who consider themselves not too fond of the arts, I'd definitely recommend this one.
Nuit Blanche also takes place in various cities across the world, including Paris (its birthplace), Brussels, Rome, Bucharest, Riga, Madrid, La Valette, Portugal, Tokyo, Montreal, Leeds internationally and San Francisco, New York, Miami and Chicago in the Americas. Toronto itself recreated this spectacular festival just 2 years ago, back in September 2006. For those who don't speak/understand French, "Nuit Blanche" directly translates to "Sleepless Night', describing the art festival quite aptly.
The event kicked off at dusk as planned, proceeding to entertain thousands of visitors from virtually all across Canada till the wee hours of the morning. I myself made an entry at 9 sharp; upon arrival at Nathan Phillips Square, I was greeted with a phenomenal German exhibit known as "Dancing Lights" that illuminated the entire City Hall in quite a bedazzling display. Armed with a highly informative and handy guide booklet, I planned out my night, choosing those events that would be closest by foot. Of course, public transit was running over time to accomodate for the millions (literally) of visitors that flooded the streets of Toronto; I myself avoided using the subway just so I could take in as much of the exhilarating ambience that filled the city that night.
Nuit Blanche itself was split into 3 zones, Zone A, B and C that were spread out all across downtown.Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I was unable to explore the entire event, although I didn't feel too upset after hearing from fellow visitors that it's virtually impossible to experience the whole of Nuit Blanche even in the 12 hours allotted - there's just so much to see!
In the 3 hours that I did manage to experience, I must say I loved the walk down Queen Street the most. For those of you who have been to Toronto, I'm sure you would agree wholeheartedly. Even on a perfectly normal morning, a stroll down Queen St. is sure gonna leave you wanting more - I'd safely label is the Champs Elysees of the city. Did I mention the European feel of the street? Dotted with fancy cafes, eateries and all the finest boutiques, it was certainly the place to be that night. Not only did the charm of Queen St. entertain, there was also the added benefit of interesting and highly unique art displays available to passers-by at absolutely no cost.
The City of Toronto definitely hit gold with the inception of Nuit Blanche back in 2006. Not only is it a great opportunity for art lovers from all walks of life to meet, it's an excellent way of discovering the many hidden nooks and crannies of Toronto city. I bet even local residents would learn a thing or two about their city thanks to the festival. You can check out a few photos from Nuit Blanche right here on my photoblog. Kudos to all those who helped create a perfect "Sleepless Night" in Toronto!
Oh my
you've got to be kidding me!
Pablo Neruda
'I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz,or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret, between the shadow and the soul.
I love you as the plant that never blooms
but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;
thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,
risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.
I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
so I love you because I know no other way
that this: where I does not exist, nor you,
so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,
so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.'
Booday
Happy 1st birthday to Poorple :DOnly the Lonely
Loneliness can be a very unsettling feeling, rather, state of being, not only to the lonesome, but to the, well, unlonesome of the world as well. There isn't exactly a specific time when loneliness strikes, nor is there a button to turn it on or off; it's a fluid state of mind that comes and goes as it pleases.
Living in a world of iPods and facebook, we have all adopted a certain degree of loneliness that we are very comfortable and content with. In lay terms, this loneliness is known as 'personal space'; it's time for us to gather our thoughts, realize that we are the masters of our decisions and provides us with moments of escape from the people around us (and/or all associated problems). Being lonely isn't really as bad as it is perceived to be - getting through life with doses of loneliness or 'personal space' may actually help.
I feel the state of being lonely doesn't always need to be attached to negative connotations; it's something we choose to do to ourselves, to give us an excuse to act different. I have learnt a great deal about this from my own father - he had the choice between a)letting loneliness consume his every action and b) proceeding with an absolutely normal and fulfilling life, absolutely alone. He chose the latter, and though one might label him as 'lonely' and depressed, he effortlessly used that 'lonely' time as an opportunity to rediscover himself.
So, for all those out there who think they're feeling lonely, turn that loneliness around into a chance to get to know yourself a little better. And remember, as long as you make even the smallest effort to talk, someone is always willing to listen.
